“He’s already defeated multiple knights. He is doing quite well in this tourney. Are you certain you can beat him?”
Osmont’s black mustache drooped even further as his lips turned down angrily. “The first time I faced him was simply luck. It shall not happen again.” He narrowed his eyes shrewdly. “You gave him your favor. Perhaps you can find a way to vanquish him.”
“Me? I am a lady. I know nothing of the joust.”
“You can ask him. Maybe he has an Achilles heel. A certain weak spot in his armor. A blind spot in his helm.”
A flash of anger rose inside of Elora. She most certainly would not help Osmont defeat Julian! Only a coward would seek help to conquer his opponent. She lifted her chin. “Can you not find a weakness on your own? What do you need my help for?”
In warning, Edward squeezed her hand that rested on his arm. “Lady Elora will not be seeing Sir Julian again. It is not appropriate for her.”
Her shoulders sagged as pain cut through her chest. Her anger dissolved into sadness.
“A shame,” Osmont murmured softly and ran a finger across his mustache contemplatively.
“Did you want something?” Edward asked Osmont.
“I’m heading to the campgrounds. Care to practice with me?”
Edward nodded. “I’ll meet you there.”
Osmont bowed slightly. “Lady Elora, always a pleasure.” He turned and walked away.
Elora opened the door to her chambers to find a warm fire in the hearth. Edward entered behind her.
“Why do you provoke him?”
Shaking her head, she admitted, “I can’t help myself. He is pompous and arrogant and lazy. Imagine asking me to help him win a tournament! What type of knight does that?”
“He is family, Ellie.”
Elora bowed her head, tucking a stray strand of blonde hair behind her ear. Yes. He was family, but that didn’t mean she had to like him. Edward would never ask for help to defeat an opponent.
“Will you be in your room for the rest of the night?”
Elora considered her answer carefully. Edward must have known she would never stay in her room for the entire night. She would die of boredom. And yet, if she told him that, he would insist someone accompany her. Finally, she sighed. “What would you like me to do?”
He smiled. “Marry well.”
She inhaled. “Then, I will have to leave my room to search out my beloved.”
“He does not have to be your beloved. Only someone you can tolerate.”
“Is that the type of woman you will be searching for when you wed? Or is that description reserved solely for my future husband?”
Edward ignored her tone and kissed her cheek. “Keep an open mind, dearest.”
“Always,” she granted.
He moved to her door. “I shall send a guard to escort you in your search.”
No!Not one of the guards. They would hover about like an annoying bee. She waved a hand. “No need. I’ll stay in my room. Sarah shall attend me.”
He straightened. “Elora,” he warned.
“I swear. I shall not leave my room to search out a future husband.”
“Or for any other reason.”
